Dodgy Tailgate Lock

[GazM]

Before I do anymore damage to my tailgate can somebody please help me

To start with, I couldn't get the tailgate open, did a search on here and all I could find was to bang the badge. The first time that worked, but the second time - after I missed and hit the paintwork - it wouldn't so I had to get in through the back, take the trim off and release it manually.

While the trim was off I noticed that lifting the handle up didn't move the release mechanism enough, so I took the rod which connects the handle to the release mech off at the ball and socket connection, screwed it round a couple of turns to make it shorter, then put it back on.
Everything was fine for about a day then it wouldn't open again so I did the same only made the rod shorter by about 10 turns. It was ok for about 6 openings of the tailgate now it won't open again

Has anyone else found a solution to this, am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Andi]

I had this prob.

I took mine off and lubbed it all up and it works fine now.

There is a return spring on the outside part of the handle which seizes and prevents the inside part from returning.

 

[GazM]

I had this prob.

I took mine off and lubbed it all up and it works fine now.

There is a return spring on the outside part of the handle which seizes and prevents the inside part from returning.

Thanks for the reply,
Do you mean on the outside of the car, or the outside of the mech inside the car?
Which part did you take off and was it easy?